A multi-level evaluation of bioclimatic design in Mediterranean climates

Abstract

Bioclimatic design strategies are an efficient architectural approach to improve thermal comfort, save energy, and reduce buildings’ carbon footprint. In this study, the effect of five bioclimatic design strategies on energy demands of an office building, considering window-to-wall ratio, solar heat gain coefficient, sun shading with overhangs, thermal insulation and natural ventilation, is investigated along with their associated economic and environmental benefits in the Mediterranean region using EnergyPlus software. For this purpose, six locations were identified to represent different climate’s types. The results revealed that the highest energy savings shares were achieved by incorporating thermal insulation and natural ventilation designs in the hot desert climate with 90.69% and 20.21%, respectively. Furthermore, sun shading and small glazing area with low solar heat gain coefficients are recommended for hot climates and vice versa for cold ones. Moreover, the investigated designs exhibited high economic benefits, which translated by lower life cycle costs and payback periods, and higher savings-to-investment ratios, especially thermal insulation and natural ventilation designs. Additionally, significant CO2 emissions are avoided using these designs. The findings of this work could serve as a guideline for building stakeholders to choose the appropriate designs according to the building climatic conditions.